Quebec elected officials unanimously adopted Bill 29 on Tuesday aimed at protecting consumers against planned obsolescence.
As soon as the law is passed, it will be prohibited in Quebec to sell goods whose normal operating life has been deliberately limited.
An “anti-lemon” measure will also be put in place to protect consumers against “seriously defective” automobiles — they will be able to request cancellation of the contract or a reduction in the price paid.
The law also creates a warranty of proper functioning applicable to many new goods, including stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, tablets and televisions.
The item may be repaired free of charge if it malfunctions during the period covered.
Furthermore, spare parts, repair services and information necessary for the maintenance or repair of an item must be available for a reasonable period of time. And citizens will be able to do business with the repairer of their choice.
The law will finally allow the establishment of standards for the establishment of a universal charger compatible with all electronic devices.
First in North America
The Minister of Justice, Simon Jolin-Barrette, emphasized Tuesday that Quebec is “the first state in America to legislate on planned obsolescence, second in the world after France.”
Quebec is also the only Canadian province to have introduced an “anti-lemon” measure in the automotive sector.
“The adoption of Bill 29 consolidates Quebec’s leadership in consumer protection in North America and around the world. We can be proud of the model that we are implementing,” he declared in a press release.
His parliamentary assistant, MP Kariane Bourassa, added: “We are now committed to a more responsible consumption model. The economic benefits have been demonstrated; the benefits for our environment too. »